The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) sealed 21 facilities in Abuja on May 11, 2025, for non-compliance with environmental regulations, as part of a nationwide crackdown to enforce sustainable practices. The enforcement action, announced during an inspection tour in the Federal Capital Territory, targets industries flouting waste management and pollution control standards.
The affected facilities, including manufacturing plants, construction sites, and hospitality businesses in Wuse, Garki, and Maitama, were found violating the 2007 National Environmental Regulations. Violations included improper disposal of hazardous waste, untreated effluent discharge, and failure to conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs), mandatory for projects impacting 50 hectares or more. NESREA’s Director-General, Dr. Innocent Barikor, noted that 10 of the facilities lacked valid environmental permits, while others exceeded permissible noise levels of 85 decibels and air emission limits for particulate matter (50 µg/m³). The closures follow 2024 warnings, with fines totaling ₦150 million issued.
Nigeria generates 32 million tons of solid waste annually, with Abuja contributing 10%, yet only 40% is properly managed. NESREA’s action aligns with the 2023 Extended Producer Responsibility program, requiring businesses to recycle 20% of their waste. The agency deployed 50 inspectors, supported by drones, to monitor compliance, identifying violations through water and soil samples. Sealed facilities face a 30-day rectification period, with potential ₦10 million penalties or prosecution for non-compliance.
The crackdown has economic implications, as the facilities employ 1,200 workers, but NESREA insists public health outweighs short-term losses, citing 2024 data linking 15,000 Abuja hospital admissions to pollution-related illnesses. Critics argue the agency’s 15% budget cut in 2025 hampers enforcement, with only 300 staff covering 36 states. NESREA plans to extend inspections to Lagos and Port Harcourt, aiming to seal 100 facilities by year-end, while advocating for green technology subsidies to ease compliance costs. The action underscores Nigeria’s commitment to its 2060 net-zero pledge, despite challenges in balancing growth and environmental stewardship.